Fitting Equipment

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEGINNING SKIERS

The greatest frustrations experienced by beginning 6 & 7 year old skiers are improperly waxed skis and equipment which is too big. For older children, no-wax skis can become a frustration as they are much slower than wax skis.

• Wax vs No-Wax

  Parents can avoid improperly waxed skis by selecting no-wax skis. For most young children, wax skis provide no real advantage through at least the first two levels of the program. On the other hand, no-wax skis ensure your child will not experience the frustration of watching their friends head effortlessly up a hill while they slide backwards on an inappropriate waxing job.

  Older children (including those skiing for the first time) will find that wax skis make it easier to "keep up with the pack". As children reach the older groups and higher skill levels, wax skis are strongly recommended.

• Recommendations

  Green, Yellow and Orange Levels (first three levels) - recommend no wax skis
  Red Level (fourth level) - strongly recommend wax skis
  Blue and Purple Levels(top levels) - wax skis required

• Equipment Size

  When selecting equipment, parents should resist the urge to buy a package that will last for several seasons. If cost is a concern, careful shopping at the second hand sales (usually held in October by the Caledonia Club), or purchase through the local second hand stores will enable you to trade in old equipment for "new" at very little cost.

• Recommended Ski Size:

  Skis should be no longer than just below the palm of the Jackrabbits outstretched arm and hand. Skis which are too long are difficult for beginning skiers to control when learning basic turns and snow plow techniques. It is also much more difficult for skiers to regain their feet after a fall with skis that are too long. On groomed tracks such as those at the Otway Facility, "too short" skis are much preferred over "too long" skis.

• Recommended Pole Size:

  Poles should come to about arm pit height. While longer poles are ideal for skating, they are very awkward for begining skiers and should be avoided. Poles which are too short will interfere with good balance.

  Pole straps are a critical part of using poles. Needless to say, poles which lack straps cannot be used. Straps which are too long or too short are also a problem. Check with your instructor if you need advice.

• Recommended Boot Size:

  Boots should not fit too tightly. Boots which are too tight will lead to cold feet. This can make for unpleasant lesson experiences in January when lessons often occur in the -10 to -15 degree Celsius temperature.